Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, along with Paramedic Adam Finseth, were killed in the line of duty on Sunday morning, February 18, 2024 while negotiating for hours during a domestic dispute.
While I have been gone from the police ranks in Burnsville since 1972 and those I worked with have also long retired, I have admit I choked up when i received a message from a fellow officer.
It is a time like this that we who serve and have served feel close connections with our brother and sister officers in times of tragedy.
Burnsville, my first police command opportunity (and their second chief of police), will always deeply remain in my heart.
As a police leader, the greatest fear I had during all those years was that one of my officers would be killed in the line of duty. For when that should happen, I knew everything would change.
I am sending both love and prayers to Chief Tanya Schwartz, her officers, and city firefighters. Be strong. Be courageous. Protect and Serve.
Improving Police: A Necessary Conversation 
My sentiments are as yours. Although having been retired 26yrs, a number of us still maintain contact and try to get together annually. I have always been very proud of the Burnsville Police/Public Safety Dept. and what it was among that profession. I remain often referring to its uniqueness when involved in conversation about the profession. Charles Deutschmann
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Charlie, sad day for BV. We made a difference! Pray for our brothers who died!
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